My ride this morning was rather mundane. But things got a little exciting this afternoon.
Starting at about 2:00 p.m. the Mississippi River Trail routed me through some very densely wooded, remote, winding and gently rolling roads. It took us well away from the highway on a very indirect route to Memphis. But I didn't mind as the landscape was unique and beautiful. The foliage was very dense and in many places formed a canopy over the road blocking out the sun. As indicated in the photos I have uploaded, there were vines everywhere - growing on trees, covering barns, houses, etc.
My goal was to get to the Meeman-Shelby State Forest campground tonight. It was an ambitious goal, but the ride this morning was fairly easy so I thought I could make it. Furthermore, I figured that this close to Memphis I would certainly find other options if I couldn't make it. I was wrong.
The dense foliage this afternoon made it seem dark even in the afternoon light. And this was a remote, sparsely populated stretch of winding, hilly roads. Making things even more interesting was the fact that there were an inordinate number of menacing dogs that took delight in chasing me. I estimate that I was seriously chased by 20-25dogs, none of which I had any desire to take home with me. It felt like I was in a sprint series all afternoon!
As darkness began to descend I realized I was not going to make it to the campground. The shadowy environment became completely dark as I searched for a place to stay. My cell phone battery had died, so I had no GPS and no way to call anyone or search my apps for services. I had my front and rear lights on and was proceeding slowly figuring I would just pedal through the darkness the remaining 15 miles to the campground.
I approached two different dwellings asking the owners for permission to pitch my tent on their property and was denied permission both times. As I continued on in the darkness I came upon the imposing figure of an angular dog down the road in front of me. Realizing I could not outrun this dog at night, I turned around and went to the first house I came to and asked for permission to pitch my tent in his yard. The third time was a charm for me.
The homeowners, Oliver and Lynette, were lovely people who allowed me to camp in their yard. I learned from them that the dog I had seen had belonged to the people who lived down the road and they had left it behind when they abandoned their home a few months ago. Oliver said that dogs in the area were a real threat to bicyclists.
I think I am going to add mace to my shopping list in Memphis!
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